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Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Gurdwara Sahib Miri gets RM500,000 Unifor boost for renovation works
Ting (sixth left) hands over the cheque from Unifor to Gurmokh, as others look on. MIRI (June 21): Gurdwara Sahib Miri has received an allocation of RM500,000 from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support its ongoing renovation works. The cheque was handed over by State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting during a brief ceremony at the temple yesterday. In his remarks, the Piasau assemblyman also reminded recipients to utilise the allocation without delay and to ensure that all costs and expenditures would be properly documented. 'Make sure to use the funds and report what has been done, so there is a proper record. 'If everything is in order, it will be easier for them (Unifor) to consider future applications,' he advised. The Sikh community in Miri has roots dating back to the 1880s, with the original 'gurdwara' (Sikh temple) built in 1919, and the current building completed in 1975. Today, it continues to serve as a place of worship and learning for the Sikh families in the area. According to the project director Gurvir Singh Sandhu, the current upgrading initiative was approved in 2021, with physical works kicking off in 2022. 'The renovation works are now about 80 per cent complete and are expected to finish by early July,' said Gurvir. Among the new features being introduced are Dayak-inspired motifs on the glass panels by the entrance, reflecting the community's appreciation for local cultures and Sarawak's multi-ethnic landscape. Ting also noted that the Sikh community here had received a total of RM2.6 million in Unifor funding over the years for various phases of upgrading works on the temple. 'In recent years, the temple has undergone various improvements including upgrades to the 'langar' hall, kitchen facilities, and space expansion to accommodate major religious events.' The ceremony concluded with Ting doing a brief walkaround of the newly-renovated areas, accompanied by Gurvir, Gurdwara Sahib Miri president Gurmokh Singh, and the committee members. allocation Gurdwara Sahib Miri lead renovation Sebastian Ting Unifor
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sibu's new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple undergoes final touch-ups, on schedule to open on July 7
(Front from second left) Manogaran and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple deputy president Vijayakumar R pose with others in front of the new temple's main entrance. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 12): Construction work on the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Orchid here is almost completed with only final touch-ups remaining. Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy said everything is expected to be completed by the end of this month, in time for the opening on July 7. 'The construction work was delayed for about four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful that the temple is nearly complete, accommodating around 400 devotees in Sibu. 'In light of this, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), for their significant assistance, as well as to the public and everyone who has contributed in various ways,' he told The Borneo Post at the site today. The new ornate building is situated next to the existing temple. 'The temple was built in 1920, which was just a small hut back then. Later on, this existing building was built in 1971,' said Manogaran. He pointed out the cost of construction was nearly RM2 million from the initial RM1.1 million due to rising building material costs and wages. Skilled workers from India were involved in the temple's intricate design. — Photo by Peter Boon Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it nears completion, only four remain. 'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000. Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' he explained. Manogaran said 16 stone sculptures were recently brought in from India. 'The shipping expenses amounted to nearly RM22,000 for transporting these statues from there to here,' he said. He added 63 statues were already built in the temple by the specialist workers. On July 3-7, there will be a final prayer session involving some 30 priests, including six from India. 'For this final prayer session, we estimate to spend almost RM150,000 for expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and other related expenses. That's the reason we require further assistance from Unifor or other organisations. 'This will be followed by the 48-day prayers; each day will cost around RM2,000 totalling RM96,000, which is separate from the expenses of the final prayer,' Manogaran said. The current temple building is seen framed by the new archway. – Photo by Peter Boon The current double-storey building accommodating the temple will be repurposed. 'We need to use the top floor as a hall and the ground floor will be for the priest's accommodation and related purposes. So, for now, we don't have any plan yet to knock it down. 'Moreover, the building is of significant historical and cultural importance, having been constructed in 1971,' he added. Jalan Orchid lead Manogaran Krishnasamy Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Unity helped transform Sarawak into national role model
Malaysian Buddhist Association Sarawak chairman Dato Sri Dr Tay Chin Kin (right) presents a memento to Dr Sim. – Photo by Teo Yee Sing KUCHING (May 12): Sarawak has transformed from a state that people once looked down on to a role model for the nation, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Deputy Premier said Sarawak is no longer what it was just a decade ago. 'Ten years ago, people looked down on us. Now, people all over the country look up to us and place their hopes on us,' he said when launching the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association here today. According to Dr Sim, the state's notable transformation stemmed from the unity and support rendered by all Sarawakians. He said Sarawak has continued to move forward and progress, thanks to Sarawakians, be they Buddhist, Muslim, Christians, or Hindus. 'We believe in common prosperity, tolerance, and environmental sustainability,' he said. Dr Sim opined Sarawak is unique as Sarawakians have the birth place code 13, which he pointed out is the last among the country's birth place codes. 'But now, the people across the nation are looking up to this 'bottom'. And we are all lucky to have a 'K' on our MyKad, as K stands for King, symbolising respect,' he suggested. In Sarawak, he said the state's leadership upholds the practice of religious freedom and tolerance. He added Sarawak remains the only state to have set up a Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support the activities and progress of non-Muslims. Dr Sim Kui Hian Sarawak transformation unity
